Rendell: McDonnell 'coward,' 'wuss'

Former Gov. Ed Rendell called Gov. Bob McDonnell (R-Va.) a “coward and a wuss” for avoiding a conversation about whether Americans should have access to semiautomatic assault weapons arming in wake of the Sandy Hook Elementary School shootings in Newtown, Conn.

“I like Gov. McDonnell and think he does some good things, but he is being nothing but a coward and a wuss when he won’t confront the question,” said Rendell, a Pennsylvania Democrat, on MSNBC on Wednesday. “Governor, give us one reason why any law-abiding American should have access to a clip that has more than ten bullets in it or to a semiautomatic assault weapon. There is no reason. There’s no answer. And the American people understand that.”

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McDonnell spokesman Paul Logan responded to Rendell’s criticisms to POLITICO saying: “The governor has called for a thoughtful and thorough review of Virginia school safety policies following the tragedy in Connecticut. He has said that we need to look at mental health and public safety and how those intersect, as well as broader issues that contribute to a culture of violence.”

When asked again about McDonnell’s position on gun clips, Logan declined any further comment specifically, but added: “The governor believes that with rational and thoughtful analysis and discussion, that we can help prevent these acts from occurring again anywhere in our nation.”

Logan continued: “In 2007, he worked with then-Governor Kaine following the shootings at Virginia Tech, to make Virginia a national leader in submitting information to the National Criminal Background Check System and close the mental health reporting gap that allowed that gunman to acquire his weapons. He has ordered a comprehensive review of public safety, mental health, firearms, school safety and other issues that allow us to protect our young people better.”

On MSNBC, Rendell also addressed critics who say gun control would lead to even more stricter gun control laws.

“It isn’t a slippery slope, and no one wants to take away your deer rifle,” Rendell said.

Rendell also questioned the NRA’s political clout.

“If you guys are so tough, how come you opposed me in three state-wide election in the second highest NRA membership state in the country and I got elected by 10 points, 12 points and 21 points. If the NRA is so tough, how did I win all of those elections?” Rendell said.

Rendell continued: “They’re not that tough. They are literally a paper tiger. They’re the Wizard of Oz.”